10,000 messages later, my WhatsApp reads like a letter to the ghosts of Christmas past. Crushes, good and bad memories, teacher’s pets and those who were chosen by the thug life shared their stories of triumph and sorrow with the classmates that saw them grow up and evolve from K-12 and beyond. My band of brothers and sisters. The siblings life gave me. Couldn’t have asked for a better bunch.
My oldest friendships are 30 years old. That’s 85.7% of my life! These were the people that shaped my character, and gave me the strength to face any challenge with grace and perseverance. They weren’t just my friends; they made me who I am today and, more importantly, they love me exactly how I am. If I faltered or got lost, they functioned as my guiding light, the starts upon which I relied to find my way home. Always shinning brightly so I wouldn’t get lost in the darkness.
They also respected and admired me in ways I have never have felt appreciated since. Boyfriends came and went, but none really met the high standards my boys set. Kind and true gentlemen, even during the middle of puberty, they reminded me that one day I would be blessed with a husband and family that would be stellar. My girlfriends always told me to flaunt all my best features and to break out of my shell. Shy and introverted, it took a village to make me laugh and stop being so dead serious. They all allow me to bring my inner child out to play. My safety net. ❤
I’ve been down the last few years because I haven’t had good luck. Making opportunities happen is my thing and many doors have refused to open up. The pressure I put on myself to succeed exceeds all possible human expectations. The chip on my shoulder too big to carry. At times I felt no one could help me so I stayed the course and kept quiet. I suffered and endured when I could have shared the burden and made it lighter, much more manageable. Never once they judged me or pitied the situation. They gave me a hand, dusted me off and sent me on my way. Up and onwards!
Eventually the chatter will die down and we will all go back to a new normal. The illusion of the crushes and stories will fade. Duty and family obligations will have to be reprioritized to the top spot. Some will even forget what was said and experienced. But to me, these memories, pictures and words are set in stone in my heart forever. The friendzone+ and banter will be written in the pages of our lives, telling a story that only ends the day death take us. Here’s to many more notifications and witty threads.
Thanks!
Forever yours and in your debt…
Mrs. Enginerd - Nerd Whisperer 